Bicycle signing/markings and traffic signals on the ITE Community

 Thanks for starting the discussion Jerry, lots to unpack here. The ITE Bicycle Signals Resource Hub has some information at the following website. I will try to tackle a few of the ideas 

Detection Types for Bicycle and Micromobility

Portland has moved away from pedestrian push buttons for bicycle detection, using inductive loops. Our past studies using all forms of video, radar, thermal, pucks, hasn't seemed to meet our requirements. New innovations may be available, so the City is studying the latest offerings for sensing techniques in our goal to reach 99% accuracy for detecting cyclists. Our next test will include new forms of detection including LIDAR and we have research underway with David Hurwitz at Oregon State University. Results to follow in 2026. 

Detector Location

I like the idea of an 80' advance detector, the Portland traffic signal design guide standard is 60 feet, but there are instances where advance detection from more than 250 feet away has lead to improved operations. In a self proclaimed "Best Bike Signal in the U.S." video, we use a connection between the signals to reduce the potential for stopping at the downstream location. I would be curious if anyone else has explored Bicycle Signal Priority using advanced logic in traffic controllers. 

Detector Marking Stencil

I got brought into this discussion since Portland has done some good work on this space. 

We have completed an experiment with a "Wait Here for Green" Stencil (using Columbia, MO as an example) and documented the current progress here. The modified stencil has been well received by the community and rates of awareness have improved significantly. 

Unfortunately, the new MUTCD elongates the detector marking significantly (the length of the new marking with text is much longer than what we believe would be needed). 

A review of some of the innovations in Portland can be found at the following blog. 

Detector Confirmation for Bicycle Traffic (Blue Light)

Portland started out with a study of whether a tattle tail light (small blue light) would serve to provide detector confirmations. This was studied by a Team at the City with some follow up research from Portland State University and Oregon State University with results here.

Portland has also had some further research focusing on the installation of Dutch Countdown timers, given that this provides more information to users. Research on this device proves that the feedback to users improves compliance when you let them know they are detected, and to indicate how long it might take to get a green light and researchers as documented in this report on findings from their observational study.

If you're interested in learning more about any of these items, especially the Dutch Countdown signal heads, we have a group of cities that are group purchasing these in the near future, so feel free to reach out to me to get involved.